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It earned Oscar nods, yet this cinematic look at a genius--that ofEnglish cellist Jacqueline du Pré, who enraptured audiences with herbold,emblazoned, and wholly unconventional playing style, and who died atage 42--was criticized for its "lapses" in truth by people who purportedlyknew du Pré. Some of the controversy revolved around the other main characterin Anand Tucker's gorgeous,involving movie--du Pré's sister, Hilary,whose book, A Genius in theFamily (cowritten with brotherPiers), dished some dirt on Jackie's sleeping with Hilary's husband. But don'tlet that deter you from this ebullient movie experience. The film is abisected story (each sister's tale is told in the same amount of screentime) teeming with heartfelt drama that belies the cheap shotsit received from its detractors. It's stirring, reckless, loving, involving, and rife withunconventional passion; passion for music, life, art, and the delicaterelationship between these two synchronous, extraordinary sistersas played by brilliant actors Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths (both of whomearned Oscarnods). Though Watson got the juicy, showy role as Jackie, it's Griffiths who provides the heart, soul, and spine of the film. And director Tucker has thatgift of being able to explain through the visual medium what is happeninginside of his character's heads. He's helped by a fine screenplay by FrankBoyce Cottrell. No matter what the truth of Hilary and Jackie might really be, this is anexceptional, rare film that is defined and graced by fine acting and writing. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Not everyone's (British) cup of tea
When Hilary and Jackie opened, it caused a bit of controversy. Most movies about real life people usually do, unless everyone who knew then is dead. Some rather famous people said the story was not that accurate. I am not knowledgeable enough about the De Pres sisters to know the truth. I only know that what was written was turned into a fine movie.

Hilary and Jacqueline De Pres were too English sisters who were extraordinarily close when they were young. As adults, their lives took very different paths, which is what gives the movie much of its drama and pathos. Raised in a musical household, both showed great promise as children. Hilary learned to play the flute, while Jackie decided on an unlikely instrument, the cello. Both won numerous awards. As often happens, when they matured, only Jackie proved to have that true spark of genius it takes to become a world-class musician. After Jackie began to tour Europe, Hilary, not unhappily, opted for life in the country with her husband, who also loved music.

The film cleverly covers some key events by showing us both sisters' points of view. To Jackie, Hilary has used her gift to become selfish and distant. The love still exists, but barriers get built. What Jackie cannot see is that Hilary sees herself as enslaved to the cello. Anyone who has ever been obsessed with something can relate to this. In her hotel room, Jackie can get no rest useless she puts her cherished instrument in another room. One time she puts it on a balcony in the snow. Another time she leaves it in a taxi. Even with these efforts, it often plays a big role in her nightmares. The isolation Jackie feels on the road causes her to have times when she feels no one loves her. Ultimately, I think she believes that the cello, which she tried so hard to master in order to please her family, ends up causing her to be in some way cast off from her loved ones.

Hilary is jealous of Jackie's talent and fame, while Jackie is envious of her sister's normal, loving life. This is a fairly common theme in sibling rivalries, but it is especially painful when the bond between the sisters is so strong.

Jackie does marry the famous concert pianist Daniel Barenboim, but her insecurities get the best of her. In one pivotal scene in a European hotel suite, she asks Daniel if he would still love her if she lost her talent. He does not know how to respond, and she disappears. She runs to Hilary. Soon she asks for a very unusual favor, which I will not reveal here.

Much of the music in the movie are from works that made Hilary famous, and it is quite effective. As Hilary, Emily Watson was nominated for an Oscar. It is a stunning performance, one of the best of the decade. The entire cast is nearly perfect. Again, I am in awe of English actors as a whole. They don't often get to do it for the money, you know.

The ending is intense. It will remain with the viewer for some time. Hilary and Jackie is a must see for those believe that movies can occasionaly be an art form.

Absorbing, compelling, brilliant
This totally absorbing movie concerning the life of famous cellist Jacqueline duPré and those around her is based on the book written after her death by her siblings. It charts her life right from her very first performance to her untimely death, beginning with her childhood and then moving through to her adult years where Jackie (Watson) and close sister Hilary (Griffiths) head off their separate ways. The movie manages to sidestep Hollywood drama by giving an unbiased view of the troubled lives of the two sisters. For instance, one particularly affecting act by Jackie is backtracked so the audience gets to see what led her to it.

A great deal of its mesmerising quality comes from its two stars. Watson acts her socks off as the world-famous cellist and wisely chooses not to go for the audience's sympathy once her downfall begins. Griffiths is an utter revelation, in a role completely different to that which she played in 'Muriel's Wedding'. She is understated and manages to create a character full with emotional vulnerability but also brimming with fantastic strength. To add to this, the supporting cast don't put a foot wrong.

The cello performances are never less than astounding and really bring to the limelight just how talented Jacqueline duPré was. However, it is its depiction of two sisters side-by-side is beautiful and its message that fame isn't everything is subtly stated. The contrasts between the two women, ironically both searching for the same thing yet finding it in different places, are beautifully done. The same can be said for the film's question of whether life is about settling for the best alternative or whether that elusive dream should always be chased. Without doubt this is not only one of the best British movies in years but also something that redeems the true-life drama.

Standing Ovation
Simply brilliant. The acting is dead-on and the telling of the story is creative and fair. I simply love the way we see the sister relationship from both perspectives. It's a beautiful film and the music has stayed with me for years.

Highest recommendation.

It's a movie, folks
I think that many reviewers are hung up on who the real Jacqueline duPre was and therefore do not appreciate the films numerous redeeming qualities and instead concentrate on Emily Watson's cello-playing. The film is deeply moving, superbly acted, and, more than anything, succeeds as a work of art. I'm sorry I am being so vague about it, but I haven't seen the film in a few years and anyway there are enough plot synopses here to get you through. My recommendation is that you watch this film. (If it means anything, I am a 3rd year male college student, and my musical background is limited to playing the clarinet for only about nine years, so I am no authority on the cello. But this movie really isn't about playing the cello. I wish some people would understand that.)

Gravely disappointing
I just didn't buy the premise of this movie, painting Hilary as long-suffering and Jackie as capricious. There was very little indication of what made her the great musician that she was. The whole family was a little sick, but I think Hilary was the really certifiable one. I have always loved Emily Watson, but this performance was not among her best. The mimed cello playing was unconvincing. The fox-like Rachel Griffiths had some moving scenes, but this seemed like a self-serving attempt of an ordinary soul to "set the record straight" about her brilliant sister. The movie also suffered from inept concert sequences and the usual misguided cinematic attempts to portray the life of classical musicians. The whole thing left a profoundly sour taste in my mouth. Why not look at a video of Du Pre performing to cleanse the palate? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Tedious and Lacking Substance
Having seen and loved "Angels & Insects," I was looking forward to this new sexy drama when it first came out in 1997, only to discover it was an unwatchable load of you-know-what. There are, of course, worse movies than this (all of the films in the "Emmanuelle" series, for example), but this pseudo-drama was truly horrific and terrible. Sex wasn't as shocking or breathtaking as in "Angels & Insects," the story was completely unbelievable, and the actors were disagreeable, all of them. I owe the two stars to some of the finest scenes in the movie- the slow movement of the camera across the blue-walled room with scattered oranges, the sun- "an orange disc above the sea," and some of the scenes in the vineyard. Overall, however, this film was tedious and without substance (since the director produced it himself he didn't have to worry about finding an executive producer). To my knowledge, "The Blood Oranges" was never even released on tape in Great Britain. Take my advice- save your money and buy something else instead, just not the novel on which this film's based- it's even more boring and tiresome.

nnice film about love and sex
I bought this movie without seeing it because it's from the creators of Angels and Insects which I enjoyed, and my gamble turned out to pay off pretty well. Not a fancy movie or a masterpiece of any kind, but a beautifully filmed and subtle film about the relationships between two couples. The scenery is really gorgeous, and I found the dialogue to be sparce but poignant and the sex to be tasteful and almost innocent. IT's almost a coming of age story about two middle aged couples who grow up the hard way. Nothing to die for, but an enjoyable and sensual film.

Rather Insipid Drivel
This film is, rather sadly, lacking in merit. It isn't sensual, it isn't inspired and it isn't worth much time.

The storyline involves two couples in an exotic country who engage in various escapades and the (sometimes unpleasant) consequences of said liasions. However, the thin plot meanders and the characters become unsympathetic early on. This viewer became utterly disinterested within the first half hour.

There are a handful of exquisitely filmed scenes that make wonderful use of light, shadow and color. However, these snippets of brilliance cannot and do not carry the day.

Don't Bother
This was one of the worst movies I've seen recently. I found myself constantly wondering, "Who acts like this?" There was minimal character development, so whenever a major plot twist occurred, it hardly seemed believeable. Any sensuality that the director intended to convey was completely lost because none of the characters was likeable.

The Pains of Passion
An unusual film about sensuality, morality, and the consequences of free love. Two married couples swap partners for sexual pleasure. I liked this film but it will not be everyone's cup of tea. It is beautifully photographed and has wonderful music. Everything about the film conveys sensuality without being vulgar. The characters pay a price, though, for indulging their passions. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Super fun action/fantasy...
If there was ever any movie that celebrated Arnold Schwarzenegger movies it's "Last Action Hero." Actually, this film celebrates action movies in general. Directed by action legend John McTiernan (Hunt for Red October, Die Hard), this fantasy film about a kid named Danny who goes inside a Schwarzenegger film is loaded with nonstop action, some good laughs, and tons of cameo appearences, including: Ian McKellan, Robert Patrick, Tina Turner, Chevy Chase, Jim Belushi, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Little Richard, and Danny DeVito as an animated cat! This film brings in loads of fun, and the casting of Charles Dance as the villain is genius. Sure, this film isn't perfect, but if you're an Arnold fan it's plenty fun. Sometimes, the movie even works as a spoof of action, like in the car chase scene where literally every single car explodes. This film really isn't as bad as people make it out to be. It's actually one of my favorite Arnold films. I'd recommend this film to the child-at-heart; to the people who never really grew up. It's fun for the kid in all of us.

Underrated Schwarzenegger romp
After his monumental success with Terminator 2, Arnold Schwarzenegger re-united with his Predator director John McTiernan for this action/fantasy farce. The storyline concerns a young boy (Austin O'Brien) who comes across a magic movie ticket which allows Jack Slater (Schwarzenegger), a movie character who is played by Arnie, to leave his film world and come to the real world. Get all that? Good. Schwarzenegger (who also served as executive producer) is great as he pokes fun at his action roles, his career, and himself. The cast is sharp (including Charles Dance, Mercedes Ruehl, Tom Noonan, Bridgette Wilson, and Ian McKellan) with plenty of cameos (including Jean Claude Van Damme, Sharon Stone, Tina Turner, Robert Patrick, and Arnie's wife Maria Shriver) and the action is nicely directed, but Last Action Hero comes close to wearing out it's welcome thanks to it's overly long running time and anti-climatic ending. Last Action Hero wasn't too well received by critics upon it's release, but it still stands as a fun Arnie romp.

Great under-appreciated movie, but gets a little too absurd.
You've probably read this film's plot description already, but let me sumerize it briefly just to comment on it: Austin O'Brian is a huge Swartzenagger fan. Arnie's latest films (acording to this film,) are the Jack Slater movies, which (presumably) came out right after Terminator 2. Danny idolizes the character Jack Slater, a fictional L.A. cop, in the same way that so many of us idolized Han Solo. Then one day Danny's personal friend Mick, an elderly theater projectionist, gives him a magic ticket that was given to him by Houdini, just before Danny gets to watch the latest Slater film all by himself, before anyone eles does. (Jack Slater 4). Danny watches as the film introduces the two bad guys, who've kidnapped Slaters cousin Frank. The scene shifts to two nameless cops (who of course are sure-fire dead meat) who come to Frank's house after getting a false call about a drug deal. Slater arrives and wonders why they're here, he goes in and finds Frank tied to a chair, Frank gives Slater one last message before dying, Slater sees a note that turns out to be a count down and gets out just before the house blows up, the two red shirt cops...well, need I even say? A car full of dynomite-weilding bad guys drive up, Slater gets in his car and the chase is on! Then something strange happens. A stick of dynomite comes out of the screen and lands in the theater! It blows up, and Danny finds himself in Slater's car, now a character in the film!

I couldn't understand why so many critics and audiences hated this. Naturally I was upset when it bombed in the theatre. It was the most origonal film to come along in quite some time. I mean, really, who hasn't fantasized about being able to actually go into the world of their favorite movie or T.V. show and interact with the characters? Thankfully I see most people on Amazon have given this between four and five stars, so I'm not alone. I loved the action, the humor, (which is basically making fun of typical action films and just how absurd they are, even the ones that are meant to be taken seriously) and the one-liners.

O.K., here's one thing I _didn't_ like: the animated cat. I mean, what the @#&%?! The film works when it spoofs typical action films and ridiculous they are, but not when it goes all the way into the realm of farce and becomes something like Airplane! or Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Everything eles was fine, but the cartoon cat...well, when's the last time you saw a conventional action film with living cartoon characters? Really, what were they thinking?

Also, there was the bit where (POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING) we learn about half way through the film that Slater's son Andy was killed. This presumably happened at the end of Jack Slater 3. So Jack Slater 3, it would seem, ends with Slater shooting the Ripper (the bad guy from the last moive), and then the Ripper pulls Andy over with him. Would a typical Hollywood light-hearted action escapest film really have such a dark ending? Well, then again, I guess Lethal Weapon 2 had a simular ending.

Anyway, don't listen to anyone who's told you not to see this. This is not another dumb action movie, this is a film pokeing fun at dumb action films (including some of the ones Swartzenagger's made). Check it out for yourself.

"I'm the famous comedian Arnold Braunschweiger."
After MUCH deliberation, this was deemed an appropriate DVD to watch - after turning down all my other suggestions. And it turned out to be quite good!

This was filmed before Austin O'Brien became truly cringeworthy, with a god-awful haircut in My Girl 2. He's exactly the same here, and there were times I wanted to take a pair of scissors to his hair! (I've just seen a more recent photo, and he looks totally different!)

Last Action Hero has an almost Willy Wonka quality to it. There was a golden ticket that Charlie Bucket had to find and Danny Mannigan also had to find one - or actually got handed it. I was so waiting for Oompa Loompa's to come out! Now that would have been cool.

The whole story climaxes in Arnie being brought out of the movie, and getting to see the 'real' world, which is a very interesting concept, as it could be seen as we're not the ones in control. (I totally believe that) So his whole life was one big lie, and controlled by someone else - not the big man upstairs, but a film director. Arnie basically takes the p*ss out of his whole on screen persona in this, including lots of his trademark sayings, including: "I'll be back!", "Trust me" and "Do it". There's also a very funny scene where Jack Slater meets Arnold Schwarzeneggar - make sense of that!

Also look out for a whole host of cameos in this movie - ones which are easy, to spot, some which aren't! Some of these include: Chevy Chase, MC Hammer, Sharon Stone, Little Richard, Maria Shriver, Robert Patrick, and Jean-Claude Van Damme!

There are some great lines in this. Some of these are:
Danny Madigan: You think you are funny, don't you?
Jack Slater: I know I am. I'm the famous comedian Arnold Braunschweiger.
Danny Madigan: Schwarzenegger!
Jack Slater: Gesundheit.

Jack Slater: Kid! Who does the doctor treat?
Danny Madigan: Patients?
Jack Slater: Look at the elbow of my jacket. What is it doing?
Danny Madigan: Wearing thin?
Jack Slater: Bingo!

Benedict: Gentlemen. Since you are about to die anyway, I may as well tell you the entire plot. Think of villains Jack. You want Dracula? Dra-cool-la? Hang on
[takes out the ticket]
Benedict: , I'll fetch him. Dracula? Huh. I can get King Kong! We'll have a nightmare with Freddy Krueger, have a surprize party for Adolf Hitler, Hannibal Lecter can do the catering, and then we'll have christening for Rosemary's Baby! All I have to do is snap my fingers and they'll be here. They're lining up to get here, and do you know why Jack? Should I tell you why? Hmm? Because here, in this world, the bad guys can win!

So if you're not keen on Austin O'Brien, see how many celebrities you can spot, and how much Arnie acts up in this movie! It's so funny!

The governator slams congress in this one!
Overall, this movie should've been about 30 minutes shorter. Other than that, in my opinion, it's probably the best Arnold flick made. Two moments in this movie are absolutely hilarious. One being his very burning remark about congress being crooks, and the other is when the 'movie' Arnold meets the 'real-life' Arnold and tells him " I don't really like you, you've caused me too much pain." That is the ultimate in comedic irony. Of course, my delivery is too dry. Arnold carries that one off beautifully. This movie was everything it was meant to be. Fast, fun, and full of dry and dark humor. Very good movie..... ... Read more

Description

1996 Academy Aard nominee Armin Mueller-Stahl leads an international all-star cast including Charles Dance and Elina Lowensoln in this powerful story of a man tryin gto hold his family together in a world uncontrollably coming apart.Inside the walls of the famous Warsaw ghetto of 1943, amidst the methodic cruelty of the occupying Germans - andgrowing rumors of revolt - Rabbi Adam Heller (Mueller-Stahl) works to maintain calm within his cummunity while wrestling with his own sense of growing despair.But the sudden and angry reappearance of his son and a miraculous chance at survival for his daughter leads Heller to confront the ulitmate crisis of faith - and his one final shot at redemption - in this moving story from acclaimed screenwriter Rod Sterling. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

you will not soon forget this movie
this is a beautiful movie with a powerful theme of morality.The sound track adds to the power and should be sold separately...so far I haven't found it. If you want to have some food for the mind and add some shades to the spectrum of grays see this movie.

The best movie I have ever seen
I watched this movie some months ago when it was aired on TV, and it moved me so much I could not sleep for many nights.

Nothing in the film was exagerrated, nor was anything in it untrue. The performances and screenplay were so magnificent, it was like having stepped back in time and seeing the story unfold before your eyes. It was the best potrayal of WW2 that I have ever come across.

This movie, like a good book, not only deserves one viewing, but many, whenever we need to remember those who suffered the horrors of the holocaust. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

he's got a killer beside manner
This Canadian horror film from director Carl Schenkel uses elements of the Frankenstein story, even featuring a Dr Stein, with experimental procedures that remain unapproved because of their side effects and a pioneering doctor who has "genius beneath the madness". We also get a touch of The Phantom of the Opera with the doctor now haunting the morgue of the hospital he had practiced at, and of course continuing his work. Schenkel has some skill in creating suspense, also injecting some comic shocks, but by the time we are chasing the killer in the unused basement of the hospital (why do horror movie hospitals always have unused basements?) the mad/genius doctor's efforts to rejuvinate himself alas does not help to rejuvinate the audience. I am not educated enough to know how scientifically valid the doctor's theories are (that pituitary extract culture can be used for muscle fibre and bone regeneration), though I am morally aware enough to question his rationale of using terminal patients in the same way the Nazi's used death camp inmates. Schenkel opens with a lightning benefited Whatever Happened to Baby Jane black an white camp sequence, which introduces his taste for gore and sadism, and the camera's style of overview prefigures the killer's fondness for jumping onto his victims. But it also sets up false expectations - the use of a lollipop becomes a red herring, though perhaps this in itself allows us to accept Schenkel abandoning the plot of another doctor's experimental procedures, with a baboon, no less. The only time the opening campy tone is repeated is in the over-the-top touches of the performance of Sean Haberle as the doctor. The superhuman qualities of the cliched serial killer/slasher are reinforced by Haberle's use of the stolen pituitary gland extract, yet his continual need for rejuvination because of sustained injuries is a running gag, and his look to the camera at one point is hard to read. Otherwise we get the standard heavy-breathing on the soundtrack and schlock music score. There is a restaurant sequence with a walltank of upstaging whales, a grotesque sewing up of the mouth of an actor using an alien accent, a full frontal nude shot of James Remar in a pool, and a nifty strategy for overcoming the obstacle for finger print security. We also get a laugh line in a police interview with "You'll have to speak up. The tape doesn't record gestures". As the heroine, one's assessment of the performance of Isabel Glasser may be influenced by how one views doctors. Are they ordinary people who can act like clutzes or gifted heroes with a right to be arrogant? Glasser's big moment comes with a memory speech where her mascara tears ruin her perfect glazed makeup, but her deliverance remains stoic, as if the tears do not belong to her. Perhaps she obtains our empathy because the only other character with equal screen time is the killer, though she looks awfully silly when she runs, and I don't think I'd choose her as a consultant.

Not much as far as horror
Of course "the Surgeon" is a low budget film but what is a horror movie without suspense? This film had it's share of gore and murder but it all came with a yawn. The main characters were underdeveloped so when they meet their end the veiwer could hardly care less. The story had possibilities but just didn't follow through. Some low budget films turn out to be some of the best in the horror genre but this is not one of them. The DVD has scene selection and that is all. That could be a blessing. I dont think anyone would care to hear a commentary track on how this 'gem' got made.

A good film
I have bought this film in german, because im a german. it is a good film, but in germany it has not the name "the surgeon", it has the name "exquisite tenderness". The Director Carl Shenkel is a good director. when you like horror films, see this film.

An exceptionally good direct-to-video Horror film
I saw this film a couple of years ago on HBO and loved it. I very much enjoy direct-to-video horror films and The Surgeon did not disappoint. I definitely would want this film in my horror collection. An interesting double feature would be the horrifyingly good The Dentist. Both are among the best in direct-to-video horror.

It was a good movie
it wasn't as good as some of the other horror movies i have seen but still good ... Read more

Reviews (5)

he's got a killer beside manner
This Canadian horror film from director Carl Schenkel uses elements of the Frankenstein story, even featuring a Dr Stein, with experimental procedures that remain unapproved because of their side effects and a pioneering doctor who has "genius beneath the madness". We also get a touch of The Phantom of the Opera with the doctor now haunting the morgue of the hospital he had practiced at, and of course continuing his work. Schenkel has some skill in creating suspense, also injecting some comic shocks, but by the time we are chasing the killer in the unused basement of the hospital (why do horror movie hospitals always have unused basements?) the mad/genius doctor's efforts to rejuvinate himself alas does not help to rejuvinate the audience. I am not educated enough to know how scientifically valid the doctor's theories are (that pituitary extract culture can be used for muscle fibre and bone regeneration), though I am morally aware enough to question his rationale of using terminal patients in the same way the Nazi's used death camp inmates. Schenkel opens with a lightning benefited Whatever Happened to Baby Jane black an white camp sequence, which introduces his taste for gore and sadism, and the camera's style of overview prefigures the killer's fondness for jumping onto his victims. But it also sets up false expectations - the use of a lollipop becomes a red herring, though perhaps this in itself allows us to accept Schenkel abandoning the plot of another doctor's experimental procedures, with a baboon, no less. The only time the opening campy tone is repeated is in the over-the-top touches of the performance of Sean Haberle as the doctor. The superhuman qualities of the cliched serial killer/slasher are reinforced by Haberle's use of the stolen pituitary gland extract, yet his continual need for rejuvination because of sustained injuries is a running gag, and his look to the camera at one point is hard to read. Otherwise we get the standard heavy-breathing on the soundtrack and schlock music score. There is a restaurant sequence with a walltank of upstaging whales, a grotesque sewing up of the mouth of an actor using an alien accent, a full frontal nude shot of James Remar in a pool, and a nifty strategy for overcoming the obstacle for finger print security. We also get a laugh line in a police interview with "You'll have to speak up. The tape doesn't record gestures". As the heroine, one's assessment of the performance of Isabel Glasser may be influenced by how one views doctors. Are they ordinary people who can act like clutzes or gifted heroes with a right to be arrogant? Glasser's big moment comes with a memory speech where her mascara tears ruin her perfect glazed makeup, but her deliverance remains stoic, as if the tears do not belong to her. Perhaps she obtains our empathy because the only other character with equal screen time is the killer, though she looks awfully silly when she runs, and I don't think I'd choose her as a consultant.

Not much as far as horror
Of course "the Surgeon" is a low budget film but what is a horror movie without suspense? This film had it's share of gore and murder but it all came with a yawn. The main characters were underdeveloped so when they meet their end the veiwer could hardly care less. The story had possibilities but just didn't follow through. Some low budget films turn out to be some of the best in the horror genre but this is not one of them. The DVD has scene selection and that is all. That could be a blessing. I dont think anyone would care to hear a commentary track on how this 'gem' got made.

A good film
I have bought this film in german, because im a german. it is a good film, but in germany it has not the name "the surgeon", it has the name "exquisite tenderness". The Director Carl Shenkel is a good director. when you like horror films, see this film.

An exceptionally good direct-to-video Horror film
I saw this film a couple of years ago on HBO and loved it. I very much enjoy direct-to-video horror films and The Surgeon did not disappoint. I definitely would want this film in my horror collection. An interesting double feature would be the horrifyingly good The Dentist. Both are among the best in direct-to-video horror.

It was a good movie
it wasn't as good as some of the other horror movies i have seen but still good ... Read more

Reviews (6)

My most unforgettable film
This tale of British decadence continues to resonate after many years and many other films. There seems to be no more impactful and arresting vehicle for viewing the nature of the end of the 'Age of Kings' and the planting of the sordid into the fresh earth of the twentieth century. Yet it is sufficient to view the film for the vision of Scacchi, as she bares herself and lures us into the African theater of the grotesque. There we meet the European supremacy practicing their many-pronged acts of desecration of the land and the social contract. There where civilization was 'cradled,' drugs, the most unredeemable cruelty in sex and human attachments is viscerally illuminated. Those bluebloods and bloody-handed occupiers; still regarded as archetypal standards for class and wealth make the Beats, the variety of 60's renegades look like the stereotypical pilgrims in a school play. Oh boy, there is every reason to sink into this film, because it doesn't leave you- and it continues to provoke. We haven't changed folks, though Gretta's beauty in this steamy, sordid African mystery is daringly one of a kind.

by the way, its a true story
this movie is based on a history of the same title. the events were, more or less, as presented in the film. of course, the real people weren't quite as beautiful, and the sordidness wasn't quite as photogenic.

africa, like australia and new zealand, was where the 'remittance' men were sent by their families, to remove the scandals from the homefront. these sometimes extremely black sheep were sent, by the families who could afford it, 'remittances' (money) to keep them in the colonies. in those days of difficult communication, they could get up to whatever mischief they wanted without embarrassing the home folks. the group in happy valley made the most of this.

the acting is superb. the sets are marvelous. the scenery is magnificent. charles dance is gorgeous. the story is gripping. what more could you ask for?

A decadent slice of colonial Africa
This is the decadent counterpoint to Out of Africa (both are good films). It's the story of British ex-pats drifting through their days in colonial Kenya. With all their money and boredom, the only thing that entertains them are parties, sex and drugs, sometimes all done together. This is the mischief these white folk get up to, while their black servants look on dispassionately but with certain disdain.
Charles Dance is wonderfully smarmy as the playboy who wins Greta Scacchi's affections. She is the young beauty who married an older man for title and money, but has no love for him. It's shameful to see how brazen Dance and Scacchi are in their affair. The old husband does what any man with pride left would do. You can almost feel the British Empire crumbling around you as you are absorbed by this movie, in much the same way as A Passage to India (another great film).
Great supporting performances by Sarah Miles and Geraldine Chaplin as part of the high society swingers.
I was fortunate to find this video on sale second hand at my local video store.

White Mischief
I loved this film~ Very excellent. I'm wondering why Charles Dance always manages to be killed off (our hero) just midway (see China Moon) into his films. He is truly a "Star" as is Greta Scachi.

I have 5 copies of this film, (not for sale). It took 5 purchases to find one in good condition. And the Sound Track is "Excellent"~

I loved the story and you will too~ A very true account. Beautifully done and well worth the $ for the film~

one of the best films I have seen in 30 years
This film has style,intelligence,panache,a passable story line and incredable filming,costuming and terrific acting -why Amazon does not offer it is beyond my 67 year old comprehension --unless of course your computers tell you the entire world is between 18 and 45.For your information we older guys have all the dough and love to spend it.Please make it available on -yes-DVD-Thank you very much. ... Read more

Description

Burt Lancaster, Teri Polo and Charles Dance star in Academy Award-winning director Tony Richardson's stunning, Golden Globe-nominated television miniseries. The classic tale of a hideously disfigured man who haunts Paris's subterranean labyrinths while harboring an all-consuming passion for a beautiful opera singer continues to enchant audiences. With its timeless story, "The Phantom of the Opera" endures as not only a deeply touching love story, but as a chilling spectacle of desire and vengeance played out against the grandeur and decadence of 19th century France. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

Great Interpretation..with weird plot twists
A must for any Phantom fan....just to have it and see it. The only problems I had with this movie were that lip-syncing during the opera scenes was a bit annoying and that the relationship between Christine and Raoul was a little bit underplayed. But, the phantom is one of the best I've seen, he has a commanding presence and a sensuality to him, and you just feel so bad for him(when you need to of course, he is definite;y not a sap). The Phantom has a more human characteristics and doesn't seem so aloof, which in most plots and plays would be bad but it fits perfectly with this one. And the Carlotta is just so annoying...which makes her perfect for the role.
Written wonderfully with funny ancdedotes...a perfect part of the collection for any phan. And a great movie to watch, very Entertaining.

Why 5 stars....because
The first time I saw this movie was in my secondary school somewhere in Europe. I saw it just once...but the film has been echoing in my being since...Later when I came to America I started searching for it...It has been almost 14 years before my wish has been finally granted...Over the years searching for this movie and not finding it gave me the ooportunity to compare the movie with the other movies that bear the same title...But alas ! Many carry the shadow of horror movies in which "the so called phantom" is hungry for victims...So I will say no more of these movies. On the other hand, Phantom of the Opera (TV Miniseries) presents,...reality, even if a tragic one, based on a story that could be real, or that maybe is real in the soul or heart or life of the person who transposed reality into fiction...Moreover, what makes this a delightful movie is the detailed attention that has been given to the creation of every plot, scene, replics, emotions,...attention that you almost feel it when you watch the movie,and even if this movie is a drama the final brings joy to the eyes and heart of the spectator, it feels him/her with hope that the sometimes "harsh" realities of life can be transcended (or at least amended) with love, because Love Endures All !

An entralling adventure into the soul of the Phantom...
While not the most accurate script (this movie is based off of the Yeston/ Kopit musical and not so much the novel by Leroux) I must admit this is my all-time favorite of the Phantom movies and the ONLY one I have seen that shows Erik in a similar light to Susan Kay's Phantom (which I adore). Charles Dance's voice grabs your attention from the first words he mutters to the final heart-wrenching scene. I thoroughly loved the back-story they created for Erik, seeing as he didn't have much of one in the original novel, and the inclusion of his father (Lancaster) while originally disconcerting was well-played out and fit in well with Charles' portrayal of Erik. It was Charles' Phantom that I fell in love with, it was Charles whom cemented by status as a Phan, and it is Charles who shall always be first on my list of Phantom loves.

My only real complaint about this movie is Christine....I swear, every time she said "If you love me..." I wanted to KILL her for being such a manipulating so-and-so. And Phillipe (Raoul) was a FOP if I've ever seen one, and quite the man-whore XD Pathetic!

Carlotta and her husband were a bundle of laughs and a much-needed reprive from Christine and her stupidity.

All I can say of the final Faust trio is this.....It makes me cry! I never thought I could ever really like opera at all until I heard and saw that scene. I get the shivers just thinking about it. *smiles* All in all, although it is not a loyal adaptation to the novel, it is by far the best of all the Phantom movies, save the Man of a Thousand Faces himself! Bravissimo!

The Most Ultimate Movie Of It's Time....
Every year there are favorite movies, this is the best re-done movie I have ever watched, for it's time. It is like
"Gone With The Wind" You never forget it. I will always enjoy watching "The Phantom of the Opera". I love Charles Dance voice, his lines are unique, he played the perfect role, I only wish there had been no killing in it and he could have had plastic surgery, & him and Christen could have ended up famous singers together..A Cinderella ending.(that is just me ) The singing
for Christen & the Phantom was beyond the best..Burt was a natural.He is among the greatest actors..thank you evelyn...

Another non-musical screen adaption (yawn yawn)
Well...I must say that out of all the Phantom of the Opera's I've seen, none of them even come close to being perfectley exact compared to either Gaston whats his names book, or
Andrew Lloyd Webbers fantastic musical adaption. I truly and honestly believe that there should be an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical stage to screen movie adaption. If there were, I know hundreds of people whom would go see it, including myself. Over all this movie sucked, and is not worth the time, or money buying or renting it, compared to how untrue it is to the beautiful opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
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